Top 10 activities to do in Indonesia

Indonesia and its tropical islands form a little paradise on earth. Each island contains wonders that are sure to amaze you. Beaches, old volcanoes, temples with atypical architecture and many other attractions await you on the archipelago. With the range of activities available in the country, your days in Indonesia will always be full, be sure! To fully enjoy your vacation, here are the 10 best things to do and see while traveling in Indonesia.

10. Visit Balinese temples

To begin with, visiting the Hindu temples of Bali is one of the essential activities during a stay in Indonesia. Indeed, the Island of the Gods has no less than 10,000 pagodas, each as fascinating as the next. From these sacred places emanate a distinct serenity and spiritual energy. Visitors can sometimes participate in the various rites organized on site. Among the most popular temples, you will find: Tirta Empul, Besakih, Ulun Danu and Gunung Kawi.

9. Discover the beautiful Indonesian beaches

The Indonesian islands offer numerous beautiful sandy beaches watered by a turquoise blue sea. They are true havens of peace for travelers wishing to enjoy the tropical sun and exotic cocktails. Among them, the beaches of Kuta in Bali, Papuma in Java, Gili Islands, Banda Islands and Pulau Bintan in Sumatra particularly stand out.

8. Indulge in snorkeling

With its heavenly beaches, Indonesia offers numerous diving spots. Many tourists go to the archipelago to snorkel, explore the corals and discover the local marine fauna. You too can taste the joys of this nautical activity on Pulau Menjangan (Bali), in the reefs of the islands of Flores and Komodo, on the island of Derawan or on the island of Wakatobi (Moluccas), etc.

7. Learn to surf

Still in the “water activities” category, several Indonesian beaches are suitable for surfing: Batu karas in West Java, Teleng Ria beach in East Java, Kuta Beach in Bali, Sunset Beach, Pelabuhan Ratu, etc. Spice up your stay by indulging in this extreme sport. On site, professional surfers provide basic lessons. Beginners and experienced surfers will easily find what they are looking for!

6. Try Indonesian gastronomy

Furthermore, Indonesian cuisine is spicy, but nonetheless succulent. Also, the majority of recipes are accompanied by rice, locally called nasi. Take advantage of your getaway to the archipelago to taste mie goreng (fried noodles), nasi goreng (fried rice) or even nasi campur (rice dish garnished with spicy ingredients). Also try gado-gado, a dish made with potatoes and peanut sauce.

5. Go trekking

Do you like trekking? So rejoice, because Indonesia boasts vast expanses of wild lands and lush forests. Indeed, different activities are possible depending on preferences and levels: climbing volcanoes, exploring nature reserves, discovering zoological parks, hiking in the middle of rice fields, etc.

4. Discover the most beautiful volcanoes in Indonesia

While some travel to Indonesia to enjoy the beaches and temples, others come to climb the volcanoes. The archipelago contains more than four hundred of them, of which seventy are still active. These are the delight of lovers of the great outdoors and nature. It would be a shame not to visit some of them during your stay. Among the most popular sites, you have the Kawah ljen volcano, Mount Kerinci which is the highest volcano in Indonesia and Mount Batur known for its view and its magnificent sunrise.

3. Explore the Ubud Monkey Forest

The Ubud Monkey Forest is one of the main tourist sites in Bali. Located in the village of Padangtegal, this gigantic nature reserve is home to more than six hundred crab-eating macaques scattered across five territories. The remains that litter the jungle give it the appearance of an old sanctuary and you will find old monuments adorned with sculptures and small statues.

2. Explore Komodo National Park

With the Sacred Monkey Forest of Ubud, Komodo National Park turns out to be a very famous Indonesian reserve. This natural setting is located in the Small Sunda Islands. At the heart of its 1,817 km² territory, you will encounter the legendary Komodo dragons, as well as numerous species of cetaceans. Classified as a protected reserve for more than thirty years, the park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.

1.  Discover Indonesian flora and fauna in Ragunan Zoo

Finally, Ragunan Zoo is located on the island of Java, in the southern part of Jakarta. This one hundred and forty hectare zoological park is home to around 3,000 animals and more than 170 varieties of plants. Among its residents, count several species of reptiles (king cobras, turtles, reticulated pythons, etc.), mammals (macaques, gorillas, beavers, etc.), birds (swans, Javan eagles, cockatoos, etc.) , etc.